Shares of the leading sporting goods retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. (DKS, Financial) fell in the fourth quarter on reports of a weak third quarter and lowered guidance for the key holiday season. Unseasonably warm weather also impacted results. While we feel that demand for sporting goods is strong, consumers are seeking deals and discounts and migrating incremental purchases to e-commerce where Dick’s locations and merchandise are not as competitively advantaged. Dick’s e-commerce business is strong, its high margin private label opportunity is large, its chance to expand its very profitable stores is good, and a larger competitor is doing so poorly it may close stores. Dick’s is very attractively priced. (Michael Baron)
From Ron Baron (Trades, Portfolio)'s Growth Fund fourth quarter shareholder letter.
